Candidate views: Linda Swarner, Kenai City Council

City residents should be involved

Posted: Monday, September 19, 2005

I appreciate your support and encouragement during my tenure on the Kenai City Council not as a politician but as a public servant. As a long time Alaskan, I am committed to compassionately serve you with dignity. My passion continues to be the City of Kenai whether it's a new business or service available in town or an economic enhancement such as our fishery or oil and gas product. As a team player I have witnessed Council members accomplish more for the community as we work together. I am always ready to hear your comments on how we can improve the government to our residents as government is a process and procedures change slowly. I follow through with your suggestions and ideas especially as we all "think outside of the box." I appreciate the many hours you the residents volunteer, whether as a commission member, participating in comprehensive planning sessions or other areas to help our city be the best place to live in Alaska.

I wish more city residents showed an active interest in city government especially during the budget process. The City of Kenai, population over 7,000, is a big business with a nearly $14.5 million budget. We own our airport, acreage, water and sewer system and a harbor. As a business we need to market these entities too. Often budget work session attendees are council members, department heads, and a handful of citizens. Council meetings are open to the public and we meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 210 Fidalgo. Please go to our website www.ci.kenai.ak.us for more information or contact myself.

Thank you for your past support and I ask you to vote for me on Tuesday, Oct. 4th. Polling places will be Kenai Precinct No. 1 at the Old Carrs Mall, Kenai Precinct No. 2 at the Old State Court Building (145 Main Street Loop), and Kenai Precinct No. 3 at Kenai Senior Center (361 Senior Court).